Despite Gov. Perry’s veto of HB 2824, the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium will continue its work to transform education

AUSTIN—Despite unanimous approval in both the Texas House and the Senate, Governor Perry on Friday vetoed House Bill 2824, the bill related to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium. HB 2824 would have provided space and flexibility to the 23 school districts participating in the Consortium to carry out the research and development necessary to accomplish the goals initially outlined in Senate Bill 1557 to transform public education.

"It is indeed a disappointing day, but we have a moral imperative to create a new system with students at the center and that is focused on deep learning, using more meaningful assessments," said Jeff Turner, Consortium co-chair and superintendent of Coppell Independent School District. "HB 2824 may have died. Our resolve to transform the system of public education for the benefit of children never will," said Turner.

In 2011, Gov. Perry signed into law SB 1557 establishing the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium to inform policymakers on methods for transforming Texas public schools by improving student learning, with a focus on digital learning, high-priority learning standards, multiple assessments, and community involvement. In September 2012, Commissioner Michael Williams selected 23 school districts to participate in the Consortium, representing a range of district types, sizes, and diverse student populations.

"The Consortium is fully committed to carrying out the intent of SB 1557 that created the Consortium and to the spirit of HB 2824 that garnered unanimous support in both the House and the Senate," said Dawson Orr, Consortium co-chair and superintendent of Highland Park ISD.

"Even though the governor's actions make it more difficult to accomplish our charge, we remain steadfast in our mission to transform public education, with student-centered learning as the driving force behind everything we do," Orr said.